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At long last, I’m back writing. The past week’s been pretty busy, and I was caught up in, what I’d like to say the fecundity of the early stages of my teaching career.

I was getting all frolicky wanting to tell everybody about how the previous weekend went; how another Filipino artist flew in and knocked me dead, now in the flesh. Not that my blogging matters to anybody or in any way. But I just feel the thriving urge to share how amazing the experience’s been!

The Philippines’ Concert King, OPM royalty and balladeer extraordinaire, Martin Nievera has once again visited us down under, this time to bring us “3D (Tatlong Dekada)” in celebration of his 30th year in the industry. I believe this was a ‘reproduction’ or repackaging of the original sold-out 3D concert that was successfully staged twice at the Big Dome back in 2013.

Martin has proven to this generation that even after 30 prolific years, he still is the undisputed Concert King whose artistic passion remains unbridled, and whose musical excellence stays unparalleled.

His powerful vocal pipes, his infectious charisma, his boisterousness and unique sense of humour, and his gift of music and pure, absolute entertainment. All these were never on the wane. All these gave Martin his formidable identity, and made him a true world-class icon.

The musical direction was ensconced in the genius of premier musical director, Louie Ocampo, who Martin proudly calls his best friend of several years; and who is perhaps a significant and permanent fixture in his shows and concerts. The musical arrangements were phenomenal as expected. I wish I could articulate how.

Martin kicked off the show with his superb rendition of the international Aussie hit, “Geronimo” by Sheppard. Not quite sure if they did that on purpose as a salute to the land of kangaroos and koalas. But hey, what a clever move!

Martin probably poking fun at an audience member. I like that his humour is pretty clean and decent, often smart and self-deprecating.

Then began a rhapsody of pop classics, chart-toppers, most-requested’s and all-time favourite’s that really have left the audience either gawking or rollicking on and off their seats; maybe highly emotional (like my Mom), or perhaps tickled pink.

Now, I can’t remember clearly how each one of the songs was packaged—if it’s sung individually or weaved in a medley. But I’m gonna try to enumerate the ones I felt so privileged to hear live.

Early in the show, Martin introduced his twin sister, Vicki Nievera. She is a lovely lady. She’s got a honey-sweet voice that complemented Martin’s rich, sonorous tone in their duets. The twins got to perform a medley of some popular hits by The Stylistics, The Temptations and The Supremes. They make an amazing duo. Twin Power all the way!

Twin power!

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Of course, the show couldn’t continue rolling without singing his best-loved classics like my personal favourite’s. “Please Don’t Throw My Love Away” and “How Can I”. I also remember hearing his trademark songs like “Be My Lady”, and “Say That You Love Me”.

Martin shared the backstory of how one of his songs was composed. This favourite of mine, which he co-composed with Louie simply tells about his love for his children as a father. He said he penned the lyrics while he watched his two boys (who are all grown up now) sleep. He owns the words, Louie concocts the melody and the musical components. And this collaboration gave birth to the beautiful piece entitled, “I’ll Be There”.

Just one of his funny faces I captured on camera.

The Concert King also sang some of his popular Tagalog hits that all happened to be very sentimental and emotional, while a few of his ballads are actually a bit too schmaltzy (at least for me). But well, who cares? Filipinos love schmaltzy ballads! And Martin has wrapped all these songs in his beautiful musicality and powerful interpretation. He really is nonpareil in this area.

Martin singing to Nanay Consuelo, an avid Martin fan who we’ve discovered to be a cancer patient.

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I admire how Martin loved on this lovely lola, and serenaded her with his most popular Tagalog songs. He was brave and caring to give her some words of encouragement saying our hope is not in men nor medicine, but in God for He is in control (paraphrased).

He graciously rendered some of the teleserye theme songs Filipinos loved through the years like “Ikaw Ang Pangrap” (from Lobo), and “Ikaw” (from Dahil May Isang Ikaw). He also sang “After All” (from A Beautiful Affair) with his siter, Vicki. I was honestly waiting for “Magpahanggang Wakas” (from Vietnam Rose), “Ikaw Lamang” (from Nasaan Ka Elisa?), and “Times of Your Life” (from Lorenzo’s Time), which I already loved long before it accompanied the series. Now, I hope I didn’t miss a song.

I also remember him doing “Ikaw Lang Ang Mamahalin”, which is another Ocampo-crafted piece. And certainly, there’s the mandatory “Kahit Isang Saglit”, the most heartwrenching of them all. Oh, that song wins.

I don’t understand how he still manages to look good despite all the facial contortion that comes with the high bits!

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Men at Work. I love this photo!

This I believe is the Concert King stance.

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A lot of his original songs and hits (many of them written by Louie Ocampo) have been iconic and like what many people say, have become the soundtrack of their lives. And seriously, how ever he sounded on the record is almost similar to how he sounds live! Plain awesome!

Martin sang his smashing renditions of Broadway hits like “Music of the Night” from Phantom of the Opera, “Corner of the Sky” from Pippin’, “Somewhere” from West Side Story and “This is the Moment” from Jekyll and Hyde. Oh, this part was just breathtaking.

I might’ve failed to recall all the other songs he did. But the song that has capped off the night was everybody’s favourite, “You Are My Song”. The feeling’s unexplainable when you’ve just heard it live! And as a rule, Martin encored with another popular hit, “You’re On The Right Track” and ended the night on a high note.

What I really admire Martin for is his lasting energy and unwavering enthusiasm from start to finish. He is 100%. His singing is just full of vim and vigour. He didn’t need to be literally dancing and prancing to make his audience groove. His vibrant aura and his striking wit brought a great guffaw from his audience. All these are the hallmark of a true concert royalty.

Martin is an incredible artist. His music is timeless. The concert seemed like a microcosm of Martin’s 30 fruitful years in the entertainment industry. His memorable songs have led us back to the essence of the Martin Nievera—the balladeer, the hitmaker. The peals of laughter and fun emanating from the room also made clear why he was and still is the Concert King.

Just a few moments before he exited the stage. My camera was being hostile so I failed to capture his bows. (GGRRR!!!)

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Some photos before and after the show:

Some of the support artists!

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With the lovely Ms Tina Bangel

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Singing a jazz/big bang piece

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He’s very kind to everyone! Especially to his fans. No wonder he is still well loved and supported by many.

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And so my Mom was so happy she got to kiss Martin. My family loves and adores him and his music. My sister and I think he looks a bit like Elvis P!

Oh gee. I was not able to share it on the Aritste earlier, but Martin Nievera’s comeback show in Sydney is happening tomorrow!

I know he was here a few years ago for a show, but I was not able to be there. And this year marks his return, and I’ve been very privileged to be one of his support acts! I can’t wait to meet him and watch him perform live. He’s amazing!